Crispy toasted baguette slices are topped with creamy whipped ricotta that’s lightly sweetened with honey and brightened with fresh lemon juice. A generous sprinkle of lemon zest and fresh basil finishes everything off with the most refreshing flavor combination.

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These Lemon Basil Whipped Ricotta Toasts are what I make when I want something that feels a little fancy but takes almost no effort at all. It feels nice to have a little treat sitting on the counter for when Val comes home from work to enjoy with his coffee. The crunchy golden bread paired with the silky smooth ricotta is what makes these toasts so good. Brunch, afternoon snack, or an easy appetizer for guests? ..just watch how fast they disappear.

Why You Will Love These Lemon Basil Toasts

Simple ingredients. Everything can be found at your local grocery store.
Quick and easy. These toasts come together with minimal prep and just a few ingredients.
Fresh and bright flavors. Lemon and basil add a fresh summer/spring twist to these toasts.
Perfect for entertaining. They look beautiful on a platter and can be assembled in minutes.

Ingredient Notes

Baguette – A fresh baguette works perfectly here because it crisps up beautifully while remaining sturdy enough to hold the whipped ricotta. Slice it on a diagonal for larger pieces and a more elegant presentation.
Whole Milk Ricotta – Whole milk ricotta creates the creamiest, fluffiest texture. Avoid part-skim ricotta if possible, as it tends to be less rich and smooth.
Honey – Honey adds sweetness and balances the tanginess of the ricotta and brightness of the lemon. It also helps create an ultra-smooth whipped texture.
Fresh Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest – Both are important here. The juice gets blended into the ricotta while the zest is garnished for a fresh citrus flavor right before serving.
Fresh Basil – Fresh basil adds a beautiful herbaceous flavor that pairs perfectly with the lemon and honey. Slice it into thin ribbons for the prettiest finish.
Olive Oil – A light drizzle helps the baguette slices become golden and crisp in the oven.

Tips For Making The Best Whipped Ricotta Toasts

Use Whole Milk Ricotta: For the fluffiest whipped ricotta, start with whole milk ricotta. The higher fat content creates a richer and creamier result.

Blend Until Completely Smooth: Don’t rush this step. Let the food processor run until the ricotta becomes light, airy, and silky smooth. Scrape the sides if needed and blend again.

Use Fresh Lemon Zest And Juice: Freshly squeezed and zested lemon makes a huge difference. Bottled lemon products simply can’t replicate anything like the fresh stuff.

Fun Variations To Try

Add Fresh Berries – Blueberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries pair beautifully with the lemon and basil flavors.
Drizzle With Hot Honey – For a sweet and spicy version, swap regular honey for hot honey.
Add Toasted Pistachios – A sprinkle of chopped pistachios adds crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the ricotta perfectly.
Top With Peaches – Thinly sliced fresh peaches make these toasts taste so much like summer.
Make It Savory/Tart – Skip the honey and top with roasted cherry tomatoes, extra basil, and a drizzle of good olive oil.

What To Pair With Lemon Basil Whipped Ricotta Toasts

These toasts are incredibly versatile and pair well with both sweet and savory dishes. For brunch, serve them alongside scrambled eggs, a vegetable frittata, fresh fruit, or crispy breakfast potatoes. For entertaining, arrange them on a platter with a charcuterie board, marinated olives, roasted nuts, and fresh seasonal fruit. These are great served on a bite-sized spread, such as Mini Chicken Skewers, Savory Breakfast Squares, Strawberry Crostini, and Persimmon, Olive, and Prosciutto Skewers.

If you make these Lemon Basil Whipped Ricotta Toasts, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I’d love to hear what you think about it, or better yet, see what you’re cooking! Tag me, @fettysfoodblog with your creation.